Brandon Aubrey Balances Legal Duty and NFL Success
In a unique intersection of civic duty and athletic commitment, Brandon Aubrey, a placekicker for the Dallas Cowboys, recently found himself navigating both worlds with impressive deftness. Aubrey served as a juror in a domestic violence trial in Tarrant County, which ran from October 22 to October 30, 2023. The case involved Daniel Rincones, who was convicted of one charge and received a 65-year sentence. Despite the demanding schedule in court, Aubrey maintained his NFL commitments, showcasing an exemplar of dedication both as a citizen and an athlete.
Being thrust into the jury box was not part of Aubrey's game plan. He had attempted to reschedule his jury duty commitment after a previous postponement, only to be met with denial. “I could have been more assertive and at that point, everyone knows who I am there, and I don't want to sound like I think I'm better than anyone else or that I'm above the job,” Aubrey candidly shared. His grounded approach kept him engaged and respectful of the legal process, aware of the civic responsibility tied to it.
Aubrey's connections to the legal realm are more than circumstantial; his familial ties run deep, with a sister-in-law serving as a district attorney and a brother practicing law. "I have a DA sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," Aubrey noted, a detail that perhaps provided him a closer understanding of the gravity involved in the legal proceedings he participated in.
Juggling these roles wasn't without its logistical challenges. For Aubrey, the routine involved a nine-to-five stint at the courthouse in downtown Fort Worth, followed by a trek to The Star in Frisco for practice. "It was nine to five in downtown Fort Worth in the court. Hop on the highway after and race down here [to The Star in Frisco]. It's about an hour and a half to get here [in rush hour]," he recounted. This schedule coincided with the Cowboys' Week 7 bye, a fortunate alignment that may have eased some of the strain.
Despite the taxing nature of his dual commitments, Aubrey continued to shine on the field. In a notable performance against the San Francisco 49ers, he successfully executed all three extra points, along with a critical 29-yard field goal. His season statistics have been nothing short of commendable, with 18 out of 20 field goal attempts completed thus far. His accuracy beyond 50 yards also stands out, securing nine successful field goals in that range, placing him second in the NFL this season. Since joining the league, Aubrey has amassed 19 field goals from 50 yards or more, underlining his consistency and elite ability.
John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, recognized Aubrey's exceptional ability to balance his legal obligations with his sports career. "We got our work done Wednesday and Thursday. Doing what we had to do and much respect for him knowing what he had to do," Fassel commented, praising Aubrey’s professionalism and determination.
Balancing the high demands of professional sports with civic obligations is no small feat. Aubrey's story highlights not just the technical skill required on the field but also the character required to manage responsibilities off it. His ability to seamlessly integrate into diverse roles presents a model of discipline and adaptability, only adding to his growing list of accomplishments as a top-tier kicker in the league.
Brandon Aubrey's season continues, showcasing the kind of resilience and dedication that makes him not just a valuable player on the field but also a commendable citizen off it. As the Cowboys aim for success this season, they undoubtedly benefit from a player whose reliability has been proven both in the court of law and in the arenas of the NFL. His story goes beyond the gridiron, offering a testament to tackling life's challenges with poise and purpose.